After much speculation regarding Chip Kelly’s future with the UCLA Bruins, Kelly has made the team aware that he will be leaving, according to 247 Sports.
While it’s unclear whether the former Bruins head coach is heading to Ohio State or the NFL at the time of writing, a departure as significant as his could lead to players on the roster moving on and hitting the transfer portal.
5 Potential UCLA Players Entering the Transfer Portal
J. Michael Sturdivant, WR
Last season, J. Michael Sturdivant was the second-leading receiver on the Bruins, making 36 receptions for 597 yards and four touchdowns.
His height gave the Bruins an offensive advantage in his first season with the school after a stellar redshirt freshman season with the Cal Golden Bears in 2022.
Sturdivant took to social media last month to reveal that he would stay with the school for another season.
With Kelly out, however, this could convince him to move on, knowing others could also depart from the program. He would be one of the most sought-after receivers in the portal.
Oluwafemi Oladejo, LB
The Bruins are losing their top two tacklers from last season to the 2024 NFL Draft. Junior Oluwafemi Oladejo was set to stick around for another year after finishing third on the team with 54 tackles, three pass deflections, 2.5 tackles for loss, a half sack, and one interception.
UCLA had a lot of veteran defenders on the roster, which will make losing Oladejo a tough loss for the team if he does head to the portal in the wake of Kelly’s exit. Oladejo also transferred to UCLA in 2023 after playing at Cal in 2022, so he’s not averse to a change of scenery in order to maximize his potential.
Ethan Garbers, QB
It was a mixed performance from the quarterbacks last season, but Ethan Garbers established himself as the starter for Kelly’s UCLA team late in the year. Garbers finished the 2023 campaign throwing for 1,136 yards with 11 touchdowns to three interceptions. Despite announcing after their LA Bowl win that he would return, not working with Kelly could change his mind.
The former UCLA head coach has helped develop his accuracy and decision-making over the last three seasons. While he should be the front-runner to start at quarterback for the Bruins in 2024, Garbers could find another home if the coaching staff changes the offensive identity dramatically.
Jaylin Davies, DB
Since transferring from Oregon ahead of the 2022 college football season, Jaylin Davies has proven to be a reliable defender in the UCLA secondary.
Davies registered a career-high 43 tackles last season while tallying six pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one interception.
He should go into 2024 as a starter in the secondary, but turnover within the school could see him follow other UCLA defensive backs away from the program.
The Bruins had already lost William Nimmo, Kamari Ramsey, and John Humphrey to the transfer portal before Kelly departed from the program.
Spencer Holstege, OG
The UCLA offensive line was solid under Kelly, with Spencer Holstege proving to be a star on the interior. He started every game at left guard for the team in 2023, earning CFN Third-Team All-Pac-12 honors with his play for the Bruins.
MORE: 2024 College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
Holstege already entered the transfer portal once this offseason before deciding to return for the 2024 college football campaign. Losing Kelly to the NFL opens up a 30-day window that offers the left guard another opportunity to evaluate his football future.
Miss any action from the top college QB Rankings during the 2023 football season? Want to track all the movement with the college football transfer portal? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!